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ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description
October 17–19, 2026
The Embassy Suites, Brea, California
2026 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions
October 17–19, 2026 | Brea, CA
The following is the Session Descriptions for the 2026 ATRA Annual Conference in Brea, CA. All sessions, times, and presenter information have been confirmed, though final adjustments may occur due to unforeseen circumstances onsite.
For a visual Calendar view, please visit: Schedule at a Glance
For information on our On Demand Conference offerings, please visit: ATRA SoCal On Demand
Continuing Education (CEUs):
NCTRC pre-approval is pending fr all sessions for CEUs.
Once the program is pre-approved; For questions related to specialty certification areas, please refer to the PDF version of the program for designation icons and CEU-eligible sessions.
Code of Conduct:
All attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and guests are expected to uphold the ATRA Conference Code of Conduct.
To review the Code, view it here.
Note on Non-ATRA Activities:
Please note that any events or activities not listed in the official ATRA SoCal program are independently organized and not affiliated or sponsored by ATRA. ATRA is not responsible for independently coordinated events, meetups or activities not articulated in this program. Individuals interested in non-ATRA sponsored activities should contact their respective organizations directly for details.
Sexual Health and LGBTQ+-Affirmative Practice for Individuals with IDD: Recreational Therapists’ Self-Efficacy and Perspectives
Session Description
Recreational therapists (RTs) play a critical role in supporting the holistic well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Yet, the sexual health needs of LGBTQ+ clients with IDD are often overlooked in practice. This session presents findings from a mixed-methods study examining RTs’ self-efficacy, attitudes, and experiences related to providing LGBTQ+-affirmative sexual health support to individuals with IDD. Quantitative results highlight key factors associated with higher self-efficacy, including greater LGBTQ+ knowledge, affirming attitudes, and prior training and experience. Results also demonstrate that RTs with higher self-efficacy are more likely to address a broader range of sexual health topics with clients. Conversely, students and early-career professionals report lower self-efficacy and reduced engagement in sexual health discussions, pointing to critical gaps in professional preparation. Qualitative findings further identify systemic, organizational, and sociocultural barriers that limit both service provision and the relationship experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals with IDD. Participants emphasized the need for inclusive environments, policy development, and accessible training and resources. This session will synthesize key findings and translate them into practical recommendations for RT education and practice, highlighting strategies to build competence, confidence, and inclusive care. Attendees will gain actionable insights to support LGBTQ+-affirmative sexual health practices and reduce disparities among individuals with IDD.
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify at least three factors associated with RT’s self-efficacy in providing LGBTQ+-affirmative sexual health support to individuals with IDD. 2. Describe key individual, organizational, and systemic factors affecting sexual health support for LGBTQ+ individuals with IDD. 3. Apply at least two evidence-informed strategies for enhancing LGBTQ+-affirmative sexual health practice within recreational therapy education, training, or professional settings.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Research
Other
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://8ca84662c5b8f0cff50d-4baaaf97d63fd7b01243e1b1c57f0cc1.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/2364/profile_1898f868b3a9037e390a1f8cc408286c.png "Ivanka Simić Stanojević, Indiana University Bloomington")
Ivanka Simić Stanojević, Indiana University Bloomington
Biographical Information
Ivanka Simić Stanojević, PhD, CTRS, is a sexual health researcher and assistant professor in Indiana University’s School of Public Health-Bloomington whose work centers on reducing sexual health disparities among people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Her research aims to inform the development of tailored, sex-positive interventions to improve sexual health outcomes, as well as educational and training programs for professionals who serve historically underprioritized populations, particularly allied health professionals and recreational therapists. Dr. Simić Stanojević is committed to advancing evidence-based, affirming approaches that enhance quality of life and well-being for underprioritized populations.
Co-Presenter/Panelists
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/53c55a5c8e983445f8c22cf6529f4d2f.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Jennifer Piatt, Indiana University-Indianapolis")
Jennifer Piatt, Indiana University-Indianapolis
Credentials
PhD, CTRS
Biographical Information
Dr. Jennifer Piatt, CTRS, serves as Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Graduate Health Professions at Indiana University-Indianapolis. With more than 25 years of clinical and academic experience, she leads interdisciplinary graduate programs and advances initiatives that support student success, faculty collaboration, and community engagement. Dr. Piatt's scholarship focuses on community-based rehabilitation, women's health, and participation outcomes for individuals living with disabilities. Her work integrates both qualitative and quantitative research methods and emphasizes inclusive, community-engaged approaches to health and wellness.